Miami Waterkeeper is seeking a dynamic individual who is passionate about our mission and desires to support our clean water goals. The Part-Time Water Quality Technicians work together with the water quality monitoring team to ensure that samples in Miami-Dade and Broward County are sampled, processed, and analyzed as part of our weekly water quality monitoring program. Water quality technicians drive to sampling locations, collect water samples in the field and then process and analyze samples in the lab. They are communicative, flexible and can adapt to rigorous or unpredictable field conditions. Previous experience in water quality monitoring and/or laboratory processing preferred but not required.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Work (50%)

• Collects water samples, both routine and opportunistic, at specific sites across Miami-Dade County and Broward County according to the weekly monitoring schedule.
• Uses YSI EXO1 multiparameter sonde to collect environmental data.
• Travels between sampling sites and the laboratory in Virginia Key; drives in accordance with all traffic laws.
• Adaptive to rigorous and unpredictable Florida weather conditions.
• Flexible to scheduling adjustments and standby staffing to accommodate for unforeseen circumstances.

Laboratory Work and Maintenance (50%)

• Processes and analyzes bacteriological samples in the laboratory at Virginia Key, FL using IDEXX testing systems.
• Maintains a sterile environment when conducting bacteriological sample processing.
• Assists with routine maintenance of sampling equipment and laboratory cleanliness.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Abides by water quality program standard operating protocols, quality assurance processes and safety requirements.
• Records data effectively in the field and laboratory; adheres to data management protocols.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively to achieve programmatic goals in the field and laboratory.
• Communicates effectively with the Science & Research Manager, field technicians, and staff to ensure sample collection, processing, and analysis are performed according to schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Works 5-15 hours per week.
• Personal vehicle required in order to access water quality sampling sites (federal mileage reimbursement rate applies).
• Driver’s license required.
• Able to start in November to begin water quality training.
• Able to work on the days prior to after the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Preferred

• Located near the Fort Lauderdale area or willing to drive to Fort Lauderdale up to twice per week.
• Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays (Mondays and Wednesdays optional).
• Prior experience with multiparameter datasondes, field sampling and sterile laboratory work.

Salary: $20/hour

Job Type: Part-time

Reports to: Science & Research Manager

Location: Fort Lauderdale Area, FL